Wednesday, July 23, 2008

CORK 1-17 DUBLIN 0-15The concession of home advantage ultimately cost the Dubs their place in thehurling championship as they galliantly went down to Cork in a tightly fought game.Cork got off to the best start knocking over early pints but as the Dublin defence settled it was clear that it was to be no walk in the park for the Rebels. With a sizeable Dublin crowd roaring on the Blues two pointed frees from Dotsy settled the nerves. There waslittle in it at half time & when Ross O'Carroll & the dominant Dotsy throwing over scores the possibility of an upset was real. But then disaster when a handpass from Gary Maguire was intercepted & Deano buried the ball in the back of the net. Dublin held their heads but when Donal Óg saved brilliantly from Ross O'Carroll it wasn't to be a blue day. The Dubs pressd & pressed but the experience of the Rebels in front of their home crowd meant that Dublin's hurling revival would not progress further until next year. Hats off to all involved in the hurling squad, management & players as real progress is being made & with the prospect of further Division 1 ball next year it may not be too long before the Rebels, Cats & others are looking over their shoulders. A special word of praise also to the Friends of Dublin Hurling for their superb initiative in subsidising transport to the game.